A major demolition operation is currently underway at Laboma Beach in the La Dade Kotopon Municipality, where authorities have begun dismantling structures situated within the legally protected buffer area of the Kpeshie Lagoon.
The enforcement exercise, which commenced on Sunday, September 13, follows a 21 day directive issued by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council, REGSEC, on August 7, ordering residents, businesses and other occupants within the designated lagoon buffer zone to vacate the area.
Several establishments within the Laboma enclave have been affected, including the popular Pink Flamingo Lounge, which has now been demolished as authorities intensify efforts to restore the protected corridor surrounding the lagoon.
The operation forms part of a broader government campaign aimed at reclaiming waterways, removing unauthorised developments and reducing the growing threat of flooding across the Greater Accra Region. Authorities have identified extensive silt accumulation within the Kpeshie Lagoon, together with the expansion of structures inside its protected zone, as significant factors requiring urgent intervention.
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and other state institutions have consequently intensified enforcement activities in areas considered vulnerable to flooding, with Laboma now becoming one of the latest locations to experience direct intervention.
During an earlier assessment of the area, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo warned that structures whose occupants failed to comply with the evacuation directive would be removed. She also indicated that some developers had previously been instructed to suspend construction activities but allegedly continued despite directives from the authorities.
She questioned whether certain developers had obtained the necessary statutory approvals before undertaking construction within the sensitive environmental area.
The latest operation has nevertheless generated disagreement over the amount of advance notice provided to affected property owners and businesses.
The Commanding Officer of the 48 Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah, has rejected allegations that occupants were taken by surprise by the demolition exercise.
Speaking to JoyNews correspondent Stephen Mensah at Laboma on Sunday, September 13, Lieutenant Colonel Osei Amponsah explained that the affected property owners had received notification several weeks before the operation commenced.
According to him, the original operation was scheduled to commence on August 27, while notices had already been communicated to the affected occupants approximately three weeks earlier.
He said the notification process actually began around August 5 or August 6, meaning that property owners had approximately one month to prepare for the exercise before the demolition eventually commenced.
Lieutenant Colonel Osei Amponsah further explained that although occupants had been given adequate time to make arrangements, some people waited until enforcement became imminent before removing their possessions.
He maintained that the authorities had also taken deliberate measures to limit unnecessary destruction and protect the belongings of those affected.
He said the demolition teams had made efforts to avoid collateral damage and had allowed occupants an opportunity to retrieve their personal effects and other belongings before structures were dismantled.
According to the commander, the operation had, so far, proceeded without significant confrontation from the affected property owners.
The demolition follows the expiration of the 21 day ultimatum issued by REGSEC on August 7, when residents and businesses occupying the protected Kpeshie Lagoon buffer area were instructed to leave.
The authorities have consistently maintained that the intervention is necessary to restore waterways, eliminate unauthorised developments and strengthen flood prevention measures within Greater Accra, particularly in the aftermath of severe flooding that has affected several communities in the capital.
However, the exercise has also created anxiety among businesses, employees and other people whose livelihoods are connected to the Laboma enclave.
The Director of Laboma, Daniel M. K. Okpoti, has appealed for the demolition to be halted, warning that more than 3,000 livelihoods could be affected by the destruction of businesses operating within the area.
Some residents and business operators have similarly expressed frustration over the exercise, citing concerns about their investments, employment and economic survival.
Despite those concerns, the authorities appear determined to proceed with the operation as part of their wider strategy to reclaim environmentally sensitive areas and reduce the obstruction of natural waterways.
The Laboma exercise therefore represents a significant enforcement phase in the government’s continuing attempt to restore the Kpeshie Lagoon and protect flood prone sections of Greater Accra from further environmental degradation and unregulated development.
